Army hurries bunkers' reconstruction along LoC

With militants making several infiltration bids after the October 8 killer earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir, the army has expedited work on reconstruction of its bunkers at forward posts along the Line of Control, which had collapsed during the natural calamity.

Reconstruction of bunkers along the LoC has been expedited in view of reports that militants are making attempts to cross over to this side and also keeping in mind the fast-approaching winter season, defence sources said on Thursday.

Stocking of food grains and ammunition has also been stepped up as weather conditions this year have indicated that the winter might be harsher than last year, they said.

Earlier this year, a record snowfall was recorded in Uri and Gulmarg sectors, where several army jawans were killed after their bunkers collpased under the snow.

Over 50 jawans were buried alive in their bunkers along the LoC following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake. Patrolling has been intensified to prevent infiltrations, while deployment in new bunkers should be carried out before the onset of winter, the sources added.

Several infiltration bids have been foiled in Gulmarg and Poonch areas ever since the quake hit the state.